Doctors across Kenya have at last received the long-delayed second and final instalment of their salary arrears, ending a protracted dispute that dates back to 2017 and putting to rest threats of a nationwide strike.
The Sh3.5 billion payout brings closure to years of push-and-pull between the medical profession and government over the 2017–2024 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The arrears, which hit doctors’ accounts starting yesterday, ranged between Sh500,000 and Sh1 million per person.
The final settlement follows an earlier Sh250 million payment made in December 2024, bringing the total arrears cleared to Sh3.75 billion.
Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) Secretary-General Davji Atellah described the disbursement as a landmark moment for the profession and the wider labour movement.
“Today marks a historic victory for doctors and the labour movement in Kenya. After seven years of relentless pursuit, the second and final batch of the 2017–2024 basic salary arrears has been released, and members have begun receiving them in their various banks,” he said.
Atellah attributed the breakthrough to a personal assurance given by President William Ruto during a State House meeting in May 2024. “The President gave his commitment to resolve not only the arrears in less than two years but also other pending CBA issues,” he recalled.
Official confirmation came in a September 9, 2025, letter from Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni of the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards. Addressed to Atellah, the communication stated that the second instalment had been “processed, approved, and released,” with banks instructed to credit doctors’ accounts.
The union also confirmed that other parts of the CBA had been implemented. Each intern doctor has received Sh208,000, while postgraduate training fees for 633 doctors have been settled.
“We acknowledge the support of our Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, and PS Mary Muthoni, whose leadership has been instrumental in implementing the 2024 Return-to-Work Formula. The CS has embraced dialogue and a forthright attitude in implementing agreements,” Atellah noted.
Looking ahead, KMPDU pledged to pursue arrears for the 2024–2025 cycle, ensure doctors’ payslips reflect updated salary structures, and push for the recruitment of 2,000 more doctors.
Atellah also called on county governments to respect agreements on doctors’ welfare and promotions, stressing that industrial peace is essential to rolling out Universal Health Coverage.
“This is your victory, doctors. As you smile to the bank, continue serving patients with renewed strength, dignity and compassion,” he added.
